LET'S GET REAL

Flynn: It doesn't feel like Championship yet

- PAT NOLAN

KILDARE’S Daniel Flynn says it hasn’t felt like Championship football up to now as the knockout stages finally beckon. 

A one-point win over Roscommon on Sunday sent Kildare into the preliminary quarter-finals in second place in Group 3 and they will now face Monaghan next Saturday.

Although a designated home fixture for Kildare, it will take place at O’Connor Park as St Conleth’s Park is being redeveloped. But the Tullamore venue holds good vibes for Kildare having been the scene of their victory over the Rossies.

Albeit there was some final day excitement to the group stages as the likes of Mayo and Roscommon dropped from top to third and 2021 champions Tyrone were almost eliminated, the new format has had plenty of detractors. “It doesn’t feel like Championship almost,” Flynn (below) admitted. “It’s not do or die on the day, attendances are down.